Athletics News

FORT COLLINS, Colo. – In response to the tragedy that occurred to junior men’s basketball player Emmanuel Omogbo and his family, the Colorado State University Department of Athletics has established a GoFundMe account (http://www.gofundme.com/Omogbo) to assist with various expenses. This account is in compliance with NCAA rules regarding these situations and allows all fans, donors and supporters to contribute to particular expenses for Emmanuel and his family.

NCAA rules permit Colorado State to pay for Emmanuel’s actual and necessary expenses related to his family’s tragedy. The GoFundMe account established by CSU Athletics extends beyond that scope to cover funeral, medical and related expenses. Funds raised in excess of the support needed for those expenses will be donated to a charitable cause, per NCAA bylaws.

"We appreciate the overwhelming concern and the offers of support for Emmanuel Omogbo and his family in response to the tragedy they have experienced," CSU Athletics Director Joe Parker said. "We have received many inquiries from people asking how they can help. We want to assure them that there are a number of ways that the athletic department can provide assistance as well as coordinate external efforts to help Emmanuel and his family. Those details have been now been finalized and made available to all who want to support the family. Our focus remains on providing the right support around Emmanuel and helping him make decisions that are best for him and his family."

Under NCAA bylaw 16.11.1.7-(g), if an NCAA school is involved, the name, image and likeness of the student-athlete can be used to help raise money for student-athletes (or their family members) under the following extreme circumstances:

Extreme circumstances should be extraordinary in the result of events beyond the student-athlete's control (e.g., life-threatening illness, natural disaster);

The proceeds must be designated for a specific purpose (e.g., payment of medical bills, purchase of medical equipment, replacement of items lost in a fire, etc.)

The proceeds may be given directly to the beneficiaries, with receipt kept on file by the institution, which must include the amount of expenses incurred and the total amount received; and

The excess proceeds must be given to a not-for-profit organization with the receipt kept on file by the institution.

We are appreciative of the overwhelming outpouring of concern for Emmanuel, and will continue to support him through this tragedy.